Rockwell Collins is bringing a new concept in cabin lighting to business aviation based on micro LED technology. Already introduced to the commercial aviation market, the electronics and interiors specialist will highlight its Secant Luminous panel for business jets at its booth (228) during this year’s NBAA-BACE.

Recognized as a Crystal Cabin Award finalist, the Secant Luminous technology will enable a variety of general or specific lighting displays to the cabin, with options such as showing environmental scenery or possibly even brand or other messaging on standard panels. It can also adjust lighting to improve sleep.

The Secant panel uses uLEDs (or Ultra LED) as pixels and general lighting. Desired displays are created through the use of white, RGB, or RGB+W uLED clusters. If the display is disabled or the lighting is placed in a general illumination mode, the panels return to their standard appearance.

“Business jet owners can customize the Secant panel to create virtually any lighting environment they desire, whether it's imagery to help passengers sleep or a source of general lighting,” said Steve Scover, vice president and general manager of Lighting and Integrated Systems at Rockwell Collins. “The Secant panel sets the tone for the passenger’s visual expedition.”

While originally unveiled to the commercial aviation market, the technology could be an “easy rollover” for the VIP market, believes Ed Kinnier, vice president of strategy and marketing, interiors. The introduction to business aviation will provide an opportunity to see how the technology would look on aircraft such as Globals, Gulfstreams, or Falcons.

Noting an “inflection point” for micro LED technology coming within the next 24 months, Kinnier added, this will give them the time to gather the proper feedback, work on “form, fit, and function,” as well as certification.

Initially, the panel will be available in white or monochromatic color, but Rockwell Collins expects that it will have a software update ready by 2020 for full-color displays.

The ability to display messaging “is one of the things that is most exciting about the potential for the platform,” Kinnier said, adding this capability is “on the stove” as a future offering.